Digest

Sunday, July 21, 2024

Scriptures: Ecclesiastes 3:1-6, 11:7-8

• Summary

  Scott's sermon this week revolves around the themes of finding spiritual renewal and embracing the present moment during the summer season. Scott draws insights from the poet Wendell Berry and the biblical book of Ecclesiastes, highlighting the importance of connecting with one's interior self and recognizing the divine presence in everyday experiences. He emphasizes the value of acknowledging both joy and struggle in life's seasons, advocating for practices like the Ignatian examen to reflect and find peace. The message encourages us to be mindful of our inner lives and to savour the simple, sensory experiences that bring us closer to the divine.

• Discussion

  Community is shaped by the conversations we share. These questions and reflections are a tool to help you meaningfully engage with the themes of this week's teaching.

  Summer Discussion Guide 2024

  If your group is meeting this summer and wants to talk about the sermons, here are a few questions that you could use to engage with our teaching.

  - What specific part of the message resonated with you the most? Why do you think that particular part, or idea, or story caught your attention?

  - Did the sermon speak into a particular struggle or question in your life or your faith journey right now?

  - What did the message challenge or encourage you personally?
  And what do you think the application could be for our church community? Was there anything that could strengthen or stretch us as a church?

  - How did the exposition of the scriptures used in the sermon provide you with a new perspective of deeper understanding?

  It is good to remember that the conversation experience in the group is shaped by the personal stories of those who participate in it and how willing the people are to be open and vulnerable in the group.

  So if you’re leading the discussion, feel free to model and encourage person-centred and story-centred sharing by reflecting on how some parts of the sermon resonate with you personally.

  Additionally, what contributes to a more authentic group discussion is when people can share not about the abstract and theoretical applications but one or two practical things they are taking away from either the sermon or the discussion.

  So, you can end your time together with this question: 

  - What is one thing you are taking away from either the sermon or the discussion we’ve just had? 

• Prayer

  Summer Examen from the sermon:
  
  And this is why I thought it might be appropriate to encourage you to pick up the examen as a way to digest and reflect this summer.

  Here are some basic instructions.

  First, you can do this anytime…but in the evening as you’re winding down is probably best.

  Second, if you haven’t already, put on some comfortable summer clothing…and sit outside (or by an open window at least). Do not do this in your work clothes unless you have to.

  Cold drinks or frozen treats are recommended but optional.

  Start by doing as Padraig Ó Tuama recommends - say hello to the little world you live in.

  To your living room. Your back deck. Your garden. Your camping chair.

  Welcome God’s presence there — where you are.

  Then, take a few moments to reflect on your day.

  Take note of the sights, sounds, aromas, and textures of summer all around you — especially those in your home (or in the places of welcome and safety for you).

  Ask yourself how aware you were throughout the day - of God - of yourself —

  The key here is to not chastise yourself for any daydreaming or napping or slow strolling you’ve done. Simply pay attention to what brought life - what caused strain.

  Where the Spirit felt close. Where you felt connected to others.

  Quietly say a prayer of thankfulness — or of forgiveness — or in whatever posture feels honest.

  And then finally, think about the day to come…don’t let your mind wander too far though - stay in summer mode.

  And choose to trust divine goodness for every plan ahead.

  Make sense? I hope so.

  Even as I hope too that time and this season and your experience and divine wisdom deep inside conspire to shape your life in hopeful, healing ways.

• Liturgy

  CALL TO WORSHIP Psalm 20

  MUSIC Curated by Rebecca Santos
  Bethel Music - Raise A Hallelujah
  Brooke Ligertwood - Desert Song
  Bethel Music - Goodness Of God
  Brooke Ligertwood - A Thousand Hallelujahs

  PRAYER OF EXAMEN
  Written by Bobbi Salkeld

  [INTRO]

  People of faith have used a practice called the Examen for centuries to reflect on their lives. 

  Saint Ignatius developed the Examen for his monastic brothers in a retreat setting, but adaptations have made the Examen more accessible for everyone. 

  Today, I’ll guide you in a prayer of examen adapted for our setting: one where we stand together, as a community of friends and strangers, and listen to the Spirit of God among us and within us.  

  When you hear questions, we’ll pause for reflection. 

  Let us pray. 

  [PRAYER]

  AWARENESS OF GOD’S PRESENCE

  Thanks be to you, loving God, that we have breath in our lungs and life in our limbs.

  Thanks be to you, loving God, that we are made out of the earth and our hearts are tuned to heaven everywhere.

  Thanks be to you, loving God, that we enjoy you in wonder and sense you in silence. 

  WHAT HAS BEEN A CONSOLATION?

  We take a moment to consider – what has felt life-giving. 

  Where have you felt joy and delight? 

  When was the last time you laughed, like really laughed? 

  What has helped you to feel really alive lately? 

  We pray for the alertness to listen to our discernment in consolation. 

  WHAT HAS BEEN A DESOLATION?

  We take a moment to consider – what has felt draining.

  Where have you felt your energy zapped?
  When did you notice that your voice didn’t sound like your true voice? 

  What inner thoughts have felt mean or hypercritical? 

  Where is your anger hiding out these days? 

  We pray for the boldness to notice the divine in desolation. 

  LOOK WITH HOPE AT TOMORROW

  For opportunities to learn new things and to grow in new ways, we are grateful. 

  For the energy of surprises – the surprise of what real love feels like and what friends show up, we are grateful. 

  For every kindness, every confidence, every moment of clarity, we are grateful. 

  May we encounter the risen Christ in all of life. Amen.